Free Events At Los Angeles Public Libraries

On July 18, Los Angeles' public libraries reopened their doors on Mondays after nearly a year of being closed on Mondays due to budget cuts. Celebrate this additional day of access to free knowledge by attending one of the interesting, educational, and mostly free events offered at LA's fantastic public libraries.

This is Your Library: Downtown's gorgeous Central Library will get rowdy after hours with the fourth installment of "This Is Your Library." The fabulous after-hours fete will include a late night talk show style panel discussion of local notables including singer Mia Doi Todd and organic butcher duo Lindy and Grundy. LA's sister duo band Bleached will play in the library's beautiful courtyard at 9pm, and dublab DJs will also spin. A full bar and complimentary Pink's hotdogs will provide revelers with the adequate sustenance to get on the dance floor and cut loose with the librarians.September 22, $10-$15
Central Library, 630 West 5th Street, at South Flower Street, (213-228-7000 or lapl.org)

A Nation Emerges - The Mexican Revolution Revealed: Beginning September 8, the Central Library's Getty Gallery will host an exhibit chronicling the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920. More than 130 rare photographs, prints, and maps drawn primarily from the Special Collections of the Getty Research Institute will represent this complex chapter of Mexican history. A schedule of lectures, tours and programs for families and adults will coincide with the exhibit.Opens Sept. 8
Central Library, 630 West 5th Street, at South Flower Street, (213-228-7000 or lapl.org)
Green Living Workshop at Santa Monica Public Library: This weekly class at Santa Monica's beautiful public library will cover the topics of water, energy, waste, chemicals, transportation, shopping and food over the course of six weeks. The workshop will focus on fostering discussions relating to the problems and solutions of each topic on a local, national and global scale. Grab a snack in the library's courtyard cafe before class, and be sure to recycle your waste.Aug. 17 – Sept. 21, 7pm, free, registration required
Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard, at 6th Street, (310-458-8600 or smpl.org)

Chinatown Branch Origami Workshop: On Tuesdays in August, the Chinatown Branch library is offering instruction on origami, the art of paper folding. This volunteer-led class is open to origami enthusiasts of all ages. Attend all four classes and you'll be folding perfect cranes by the end of summer. Tuesdays, 2pm, free
Chinatown Branch, 639 North Hill Street, at Ord Street, (213-620-0925 or lapl.org/branches)

Explorations in Science in Playa Vista: You don't have to have a PhD in physics to spend an afternoon discussing science at the Playa Vista branch library, although discussion leader George Fisher has earned his. This discussion series focuses on various topics including the history of science to more controversial scientific developments. Everyone, from established researchers to the simply curious are welcome at this monthly event.August 31, 12pm, free
6400 Playa Vista Drive, at West Jefferson Boulevard, (310-437-6680 or lapl.org/branches)